Technology Spotlight: Automatic Emergency Braking

April 18, 2016

New technologies within the automotive industry aim to prevent accidents and save lives. One important technological innovation that has quickly gained popularity is automatic emergency braking (AEB). AEB uses sensors to track cars ahead and will automatically brake to prevent an impending accident if the driver fails to respond to warnings. This innovative brake system is saving lives every day, and the automotive industry feels it is so important that soon all major automakers will offer AEB as a standard feature.

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we welcome new technology that helps to prevent injuries and save lives. Our compassionate car accident attorneys understand the grave consequences of a serious car crash. We hope that automatic emergency braking and other new technologies will continue to prevent accidents across the country. Below, we provide an in-depth look at automatic emergency braking in our technology spotlight.

How AEB Works

AEB systems scan the road ahead while you are driving to detect whether an accident is imminent. The vehicle comes equipped with sensors on the front of the car that detect how close you are to the car ahead. If a crash is about to occur, the vehicle will issue a warning. Warnings can be visual alerts, sounds, vibrations, a mix of the three. If you do not brake in time, the vehicle can also brake for you.

AEB is not fool proof, however. As such, it is imperative that drivers continue to pay close attention to the road ahead and maintain a safe following distance. Automatic emergency braking relies on sensors, so it is also important that drivers make sure the sensors are not blocked by dirt, ice, or snow. Additionally, some systems may be sensitive to glare that happens during sunrise or sunset. Drivers should not rely on the system during these time periods.

What Cars Offer AEB?

AEB is becoming increasingly popular. Currently, most major automakers offer automatic emergency brakes as an option. Higher end vehicles may come equipped with the feature. Recognizing the importance of AEB, 20 automakers have agreed to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature of all of their cars and trucks by 2022. This means that in a few years 99 percent of cars will have this life-saving feature.

If you are looking to purchase a new vehicle, ask the dealership about (AEB) options. Remember that AEB can have different names, dependent upon the automaker, such as "pre-crash warning" or "braking system," intelligent braking, and forward collision mitigation. Be sure to consult your owner's manual closely so that you fully understand your AEB system.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 30 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we diligently represent injured car accident victims and their families. Our firm has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 30 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Auto Accident Checklist

What we're doing in our community

Please Note:Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.